Movement of vehicle top over recessed accessible storage area lid and method to preserve vehicle profile

ABSTRACT

In accordance with one preferred embodiment of the present invention, a retractable roof apparatus for a hard top vehicle is disclosed. The apparatus includes a roof portion that resides above a vehicle body forward a rear storage space when closed. Additionally, the storage space includes a lid that is configured to descend into the storage space as the roof portion moves to an open position, resting above the lid. Lastly, the open position preserves the vehicle side profile and permits storage space access. Further provided is a method of retracting a rigid vehicle roof.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is related to the copending application:

-   -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/184,342, filed Jul. 19,        2005, entitled “Motor Assisted Simultaneous Movement of        Convertible Top With Trunk and Method” by Jay R. Martin.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to retractable vehicle roofsystems. In particular, this application relates to a method andapparatus for retracting a rigid vehicle roof to an exterior storageposition above the trunk while preserving the side profile of thevehicle and permitting trunk access.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In general, open-roof designs for individualized transportation has beenutilized for many years as established by carriages and the firstengine-driven vehicles. Open driving was and is part of the culture ofautomobile driving with continued interest for contemporary designs. Inthe case of convertibles, it is primarily folding roofs, which areconstructed in such a manner as to be able to be retracted and stretchedout again, with a structure of bars and an external skin which iscorrespondingly foldable. Such types of folding roofs havedisadvantages, particularly for reason of restricted suitability duringbad weather and winter and are, due to construction, adversely affectedby unpleasant wind noises at high speeds.

For increased suitability during bad weather and winter, rigidconvertible folding tops, so-called hard tops were designed to provide adetachable roof, with the same paintwork and finish as the body.However, early designs were extremely expensive and complex, lending tolimited production offerings.

Because of tendencies within the culture of motor vehicles at thepresent time, convertibles are no longer purely used as leisure-timevehicles, such as a second or third household car. Instead, suchvehicles serve as a primary vehicle, leading to significant designoptions for hard tops which can be retracted into the vehicle spacebehind the passenger compartment. The most common areas for storageinclude a space between the passenger compartment and the trunk orwithin the trunk itself, thereby restricting use of the trunk spacewhile retracted. This design is commonly referred to as an internalstorage design. Alternative designs have also included storage of thehard top above the vehicle trunk for purposes of simplifying the designand maintaining a pleasing appearance. Such designs are commonlyreferred to as an external storage design. However, such designs impedeor prevent use of the vehicle trunk while the hard top is retracted andnoticeably change the appearance of the vehicle profile. Therefore, aneed exists for providing a retracting system that will allow externalstorage of the vehicle hard top that will not significantly effect theside profile of the vehicle and permit full use of the vehicle trunkspace.

The present invention provides a solution to this and other problemsknown in the art, and offers other advantages over the prior art.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to retractable vehicle roof systems whichsolve the above-mentioned problem.

In accordance with one preferred embodiment of the present invention, aretractable roof apparatus for a hard top vehicle is disclosed. Theapparatus includes a roof portion that resides above a vehicle bodyforward a rear storage space when closed. Additionally, the storagespace includes a lid that is configured to descend into the storagespace as the roof portion moves to a recessed, open position. Lastly,the roof portion rests above the lid while preserving vehicle sideprofile and permitting storage space access. In addition, a method ofretracting a rigid roof for a vehicle is provided.

Additional advantages and features of the invention will be set forth inpart in the description which follows, and in part, will become apparentto those skilled in the art upon examination of the following or may belearned by practice of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is the side view of a vehicle with a rigid retractable roofviewed in the closed position.

FIG. 2 is the side view of a vehicle with a rigid retractable roofviewed as the roof portion first moves from a closed to an openposition.

FIG. 3 is the side view of a vehicle with a rigid retractable roofviewed as the roof portion moves from a closed to an open positionbeyond that illustrated in FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is the side view of a vehicle with a rigid retractable roofviewed as the roof portion moves from a closed to an open positionillustrating the folded rear quarter panels, beyond that illustrated inFIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is the side view of a vehicle with a rigid retractable roofviewed as the roof portion moves from a closed to an open positionbeyond that illustrated in FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is the side view of a vehicle with a rigid retractable roofviewed as the roof portion moves from a closed to an open positionbeyond that illustrated in FIG. 5

FIG. 7 is the side view of a vehicle with a rigid retractable roofviewed in the open, fully recessed position.

FIG. 8 is the side view of a vehicle with a rigid retractable roof,similar to FIG. 3, viewed as the roof portion moves from a closed to anopen position and having a roll bar instead of rear quarter panels.

FIG. 9 is the side view of the track mechanism illustrating the variouspositions and numerically sequenced in ascending order from a closed toan open position.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of one preferred embodiment illustratingthe cog and track mechanism, utilizing a piston and drive motor.

FIG. 11 is the side view of a vehicle with a rigid retractable roof,similar to FIG. 2, viewed as the roof portion moves from a closed to anopen position and having a track mechanism similar to that shown in FIG.10.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of one preferred embodiment illustrating acog and piston mechanism for each side of the roof portion, each havingindependent drive motors.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of one preferred embodiment illustrating athreaded rod drive mechanism for each side of the roof portion drivenfrom a single drive motor. Also illustrated is a drive motor at the topof the roof portion to drive movement of the upper roof portion inconcert with the lower roof portion.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of one preferred embodiment illustrating acog and piston mechanism for each side of the roof portion driven from asingle drive motor that is anchored to the vehicle. Also illustrated isa balancing spring mechanism at the top of the roof portion tofacilitate movement of the upper roof portion in concert with the lowerroof portion.

FIG. 15 is the side view of a vehicle with a rigid retractable roof,similar to FIG. 1, viewed in the closed position and having rear quarterpanel windows that roll down into the vehicle body instead of retractingas part of the roof.

FIG. 16 is the side view of a vehicle with a rigid retractable roof,similar to FIG. 3, viewed as the roof portion moves from a closed to anopen position and having rear quarter panel windows that roll down intothe vehicle body instead of retracting as part of the roof.

FIG. 17 is the side view of a vehicle with a rigid retractable roof,similar to FIG. 5, viewed as the roof portion moves from a closed to anopen position and having rear quarter panel windows that roll down intothe vehicle body instead of retracting as part of the roof.

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of one preferred embodiment illustrating acog and piston mechanism driven from multiple drive motors, similar tothat shown in FIG. 13. Also illustrated is a storage space incorporatedas part of the storage lid.

FIG. 19 is the side view of a vehicle with a rigid retractable roof,similar to FIG. 1, viewed before the roof portion moves from a closed toan open position and having the rear quarter panels remain in place.

FIG. 20 is the side view of a vehicle with a rigid retractable roof,similar to FIG. 2, viewed as the roof portion moves from a closed to anopen position and having the rear quarter panels remain in place.

FIG. 21 is the side view of a vehicle with a rigid retractable roof,similar to FIG. 4, viewed as the roof portion moves from a closed to anopen position and having the rear quarter panels remain in place.

FIG. 22 is the side view of a vehicle with a rigid retractable roof,similar to FIG. 7, viewed in the open position and having the rearquarter panels remain in place.

FIG. 23 is a flow diagram of a method of retracting a rigid vehicle rooffrom a closed to an open position utilizing a system similar to thatillustrated in FIG. 1–7.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Numerous vehicle hard top retracting systems exist, however the currentsystems available fail to provide an external open storage positionabove the vehicle storage lid while substantially preserving vehicleside profile and permitting storage space access The present inventionwill be described in preferred embodiments and is not intended to belimited as described.

FIG. 1 is a side view of one embodiment of the present inventionsshowing the roof retracting system 100 in the closed position. FIGS. 1–7illustrate the progression of one embodiment of a retracting vehicleroof. For FIG.1, the system 100 includes a vehicle 102 having a rigidretractable roof upper portion 105 which is attached to a lower roofportion 106. Also shown in this particular embodiment is a side panel108 which exists in some convertible roof designs in the event that noroll bar or similar structure has been incorporated. In one preferredembodiment a drive mechanism 110 may be utilized to raise and lower theupper roof portion 105 with respect to the lower roof portion 106 toassist in the retraction process. As depicted in FIG. 1, the drivemechanism 110 is operatively coupled to the upper roof portion 105 andextends to a rear storage lid of the vehicle, illustrated in FIG. 1 ashaving an upper lid portion 120 and a lower lid portion 122 (illustratedas a trunk lid). The upper lid portion 120 is affixed to the lower roofportion 106 at an upper hinge 118 and further attached at the oppositeend by a lower hinge joint 124 to the lower lid portion 122. Theconstruction of the drive mechanism 110 is preferably a durable materialsuch as tube steel or composite material with similar strength andlightweight, such as a metal-loaded plastic. According to oneembodiment, the drive mechanism includes a threaded rod drive thatconsists of a threaded rod 115 that traverses within an adjustable shaft112 as driven by an extension motor 125. In one preferred embodiment,the motor 125 consists of a high starting torque, adjustable speed,reversible, parallel shaft DC motor similar to the N4975, manufacturedby Bodine Electric Company, Chicago, Ill. The upper portion of theadjustable shaft 112 is fixed to the upper roof portion 105 at a hingepoint 111. The expanded view of the drive mechanism 110 and the upperroof portion 105 illustrates that in one embodiment, the adjustableshaft 112 may be further supported by a brace 113 fastened to theadjustable shaft 112 with fastener 114.

FIG. 2 is the same roof retracting system 100 of FIG. 1 with a steptoward retracting the roof of vehicle 102. This iteration illustrateshow unlatching the hook 104 from the front window frame catch or hole103 releases the front of the upper roof portion 105. In one embodimentthe drive mechanism 110, as driven by operation of the extension motor125, extends the adjustable piston or shaft 112, thereby separating theupper roof portion 105 from the lower roof portion 106.

FIG. 3 is a further step in the retracting of the roof of vehicle 102using the roof retracting system 100 of FIGS. 1 and 2. This iterationillustrates the movement of both the upper roof portion 105 and thelower roof portion 106 by storage lid hinge 118. In one embodiment theforce applied to move both roof portions aft the passenger compartmentof vehicle 102 may be accomplished manually or by use of a drive motor.Details of alternative embodiments will be explained later in thisdescription. According to one embodiment of the present invention a sidepanel 108 is hinged to lower roof portion 106 along the length of thedrive mechanism 110. This allows for the side panel 108 to be rotatedinward toward the opposite side of the vehicle 102 for low profilestorage.

FIG. 4 is the same roof retracting system 100 of FIG. 1 with a furtherstep toward retracting the roof of vehicle 102 beyond FIG. 3. Thisiteration illustrates the fully rotated side panel 108. Additionallyshown is the upper roof portion 105 rotated to become flush with thesurface of the lower roof portion 106, which is subsequently rotated tobecome flush with respect to the upper lid portion 120. According to oneembodiment, lower lid portion 122 is rotated to become in line, adjacentto the upper lid portion 120 about lower lid pivot point 124. Thisillustration also shows the entire assembly of upper roof portion 105and lower roof portion 106 with upper lid portion 120 and lower lidportion 122, descending downward toward the storage space of the vehicle102.

FIG. 5 is the same roof retracting system 100 of FIG. 1 with a furtherstep toward retracting the roof of vehicle 102 beyond FIG. 4. Thisiteration illustrates the fully extended adjustable shaft 112 in adirection opposite the upper storage lid 120, as driven by extensionmotor 125 within drive mechanism 110. This extension allows for theupper roof portion 105 to become more flush with the surface of thelower roof portion 106. Both upper roof portion 105 and lower roofportion 106 also rotate to become more flush with the surface of theupper storage lid 120 and lower storage lid 122.

FIG. 6 is the same roof retracting system 100 of FIG. 1 with a furtherstep toward retracting the roof of vehicle 102 beyond FIG. 5. Thisiteration illustrates the upper roof portion 105 rotated to becomefurther flush with the surface of the lower roof portion 106, which issubsequently rotated to become further flush with the upper storage lid120. This illustration also shows the entire assembly of upper roofportion 105 and lower roof portion 106 with upper lid portion 120 andlower lid portion 122, descending further downward toward the storagespace of the vehicle 102. In one preferred embodiment, the finalpositioning of the upper lid portion 120 may be forward or rearward thevehicle body as is necessary to maintain vehicle side profile.

FIG. 7 is the same roof retracting system 100 of FIG. 1 according to oneembodiment of the present invention showing the roof retracting system100 in the open position of vehicle 102 beyond FIG. 6. This positionillustrates the fully rotated upper roof portion 105 to become moreflush with the surface of the lower roof portion 106, which is fullyrotated to become more flush with the surface of the storage lid 120.According to one embodiment, the adjustable shaft 112 is retracted in adirection toward the front of the vehicle 102 as driven by extensionmotor 125 within drive mechanism 110. This illustration also shows theentire assembly of upper roof portion 105 and lower roof portion 106with upper lid portion 120 and lower lid portion 122, fully descendeddownward toward the storage space of the vehicle 102. It should be notedthat the side view of the open position of the roof retracting system100 preserves the side profile, if so desired, of the vehicle 102 suchthat the rear storage area appears similarly to that viewed in theclosed position.

FIG. 8 illustrates one embodiment of the roof retracting system 100 suchthat a vehicle 101 has a fixed roll bar 107 and side panel 109. In thisembodiment, there exists no hinged side panel 108 as shown in FIGS. 1–7.This illustration is most similar to FIG. 3.

FIG. 9 illustrates a side view of a rotational control mechanism 200according to one embodiment of the roof retracting system 100. Thenumbered sequence is intended to show the different positions of a drivemechanism 210 as similarly illustrated in FIGS. 1–7. According to oneembodiment, the drive mechanism 210 may be defined as a piston. An upperroof portion 205 is attached to one end of an adjustable shaft 212,while a cog 232 is attached to the opposite end. The cog 232 is designedto travel within a track 230, which is affixed to the side of a vehiclebody (not shown). As the rotational control mechanism 200 rotates fromthe closed position 1 to the open position 6A or 6B, the entiremechanism 200 rotates about a fulcrum point 228. 6A represents onepreferred final position in which the final assembly is extendedrearward the vehicle body in order to maintain vehicle profile, if sodesired. Alternatively, 6B represents one preferred final position inwhich the final assembly is extended forward the vehicle body in orderto maintain vehicle profile, if so desired. Though this illustrationshows the travel of the mechanism 200 to be directed by the track 230,it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the control maybe performed manually or by automatic drive control such as a motor.

FIG. 10 is perspective view of a rotational control mechanism 300according to one embodiment of the roof retracting system 100. Similarto FIG. 9, this illustration provides one embodiment utilizing twocontrol mechanisms that may synchronously operate the roof retractingsystem 100 and further illustrates a forward view. The control mechanism300 includes drive mechanisms 210 and 260 further consisting ofadjustable shafts 212 and 262, respectively. Affixed at the base of eachshaft 212 and 262 are cogs 232 and 282, which are designed to travelwithin tracks 230 and 280, respectively. According to one embodiment,the design of each cog, 232 and 282, includes tines 234 and 284 thatmate with voids 231 and 281 of tracks 230 and 280, respectively. In oneembodiment, travelers 236 and 286 assist the cogs 232 and 282 movingwithin the tracks 238 and 280. According to one aspect of the presentinvention, the drive mechanisms 210 and 260 may be affixed by a shaft248 that is driven by rotation gear motor 250. In one preferredembodiment, the motor 250 consists of a high starting torque, adjustablespeed, reversible, right angle hollow shaft DC gear motor similar to the7466, manufactured by Bodine Electric Company, Chicago, Ill. Furtherillustrated is a guide mechanism consisting of sleeve 252 which isattached to rotation motor 250 and is positioned around guide rod 254.The guide rod 254 may be flat or round in shape and is designed to beaffixed to the vehicle body using an appropriate fastener 255 and 259secured to a mounting plate 256. The mounting plate 256 is furtherattached to vehicle body with fasteners 257 and 258. The forward view ofthe rotational control mechanism illustrates one embodiment to show thedrive mechanism 260 mounted to the vehicle body 290 utilizing bracket288 with fastener 289.

FIG. 11 illustrates a system 400, similar to FIG. 2, which includes avehicle 402 having an upper roof portion 405 that attaches to windowframe hole 403 with hook 404. The lower roof portion 406 having a drivemechanism 410, similar to FIG. 10, which includes adjustable shaft 412that travels within track 430 as guided by cog 432. The lower roofportion 406 is further attached at the forward end of the upper storagelid 420 as affixed by upper hinge 418 and having a lower storage lid 422at the rearward end. In one preferred embodiment, the vehicle maycontain a roll bar, similar to that illustrated in FIG. 8.

FIG. 12 illustrates a perspective view of a rotational control system500 similar to that shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 as used on a roof retractingsystem 100 within the scope of this invention. Similar items aredesignated similarly to previous illustrations such that the upper roofportion 505, similar to FIG. 1 upper roof portion 105, is adjacent todrive mechanisms 510 and 560, positioned to rotate about fixed fulcrum528. The rotation pivots the lower roof portion 506, containing window570, with the upper lid 520 about hinge points 518 and 568. This issimilarly labeled as elements of FIGS. 9 and 10 which include upper roofportion 205, drive mechanisms 210 and 260, rotating about fixed fulcrum228. FIG. 12 illustrates one embodiment of the present invention whichmay include independent cog gear motors 551 and 553 used tosynchronously drive cogs 532 and 582, through their respective tracks530 and 580, as guided by tines 534 and 584.

FIG. 13 illustrates a perspective view of a rotational control system600, similar to that shown in FIG. 12, with like items designatedsimilarly. In one embodiment of the present invention, the extensionmotors 625 and 675 that drive adjustable shafts 612 and 662 may besynchronously controlled and of low torque capacity. To drive therotation of the lower roof portion 606 in relation to the upper storagelid 620, rotational gear motor assembly 653 may be utilized to rotateabout fixed fulcrum 628. Gear motor 675 can reduce the load placed uponrotational motor assembly 653 by assisting in the retraction of theupper roof portion 605 with respect to the lower roof portion 606. Inone embodiment, gear motor 676 is fixed to upper roof portion 605 bymounting plate 673 with four fasteners 677. The gear motor 676 utilizesa roof shaft 671 to pivot the upper roof portion 605 to become flushwith respect to the surface of the lower roof portion 606 about hingepoint 611. In one preferred embodiment, a spring mechanism may be addedto assist in reducing the load placed upon the gear motor 676.

FIG. 14 illustrates a perspective view of a rotational control system700, similar to that shown in FIG. 13, with like items designatedsimilarly. Lower roof portion 706 is similar to 506, shown in FIG. 12.Hinges 518 and 568, shown in FIG. 12, are similar to hinges 718 and 768.Cogs 732 and 782, having tines 734 and 784, are similar to cogs 532 and582, having tines 534 and 584. In one embodiment, the gear motor 675 ofFIG. 13 is replaced by a spring 790 and gear box 753, to assist the loadplaced upon rotation motor 750. Spring 790 is coiled about roof shaft771 that extends between the two sides of the hinge point 711 of theupper roof portion 705. Anchor holes 749 and 799 of the drive mechanisms710 and 760 provide tension on the spring 790. The spring 790 is furtheranchored to upper roof portion 705 with roof plate 798. In one preferredembodiment, spring 790 is of steel construction or similar strengthcomposite material.

FIGS. 15–17 illustrate a roof retracting system 800 similar in sequenceto that of FIGS. 1, 3, and 5, with like items designated similarly. Avehicle 802 of such an embodiment having an upper roof portion 805 andlower roof portion 806 residing above a detached side window 808,pivoting at hinge point 811. During the process of moving the roofretracting system 800 from a closed position to an open position, theside window 808 is independently lowered into the vehicle body by manualor powered systems. Items 818, 820, 822, 824 and 828 are similar to likeitems 518, 520, 522, 524 and 528, respectively, as shown in FIG. 12.

FIG. 18 illustrates a perspective view of a roof retracting system 900,similar to FIG. 13, with like items designated similarly. According toone embodiment of the present invention, the rotation motor is mountedparallel to the axis of the fixed fulcrum 928 about shaft 948.Additionally, contained within the upper storage lid 920 is a storagespace 995 of sufficient size to contain the upper and lower roofportions while in the open position. In one preferred embodiment, gearmotor 950 may be utilized to assist in the retracting operation. Itemsdesignated as 905, 910, 906, 911, 912, 918, 930, 932, 934, 951, 953,961, 962, 968, 970, 982 and 984 correspond to the similarly labeleddesignators as 505, 510, 506, 511, 512, 518, 530, 532, 534, 551, 553,561, 562, 568, 570, 582 and 584, respectively, as shown in FIG. 12.

FIGS. 19–22 illustrate a side view of a roof retracting system 1000,similar to FIGS. 1, 2, 4 and 7, with like items designated similarly.According to one embodiment of the present invention, an upper roofportion 1005 of a vehicle 1002 incorporates only the center portion of alower roof portion 1006, leaving a side panel 1008 that remains fixedduring the movement from a closed to an open position. Alternatively, inone preferred embodiment there may be included a roll bar that remainsintact, similar to that illustrated in FIG. 8. Also illustrated is awindow portion 1009 that will remain adjacent to the side panel 1008. Inone preferred embodiment, the continuous latching mechanism includes aroof hook 1004 that runs continuously along the front surface of theupper roof portion 1005. The roof hook 1004 mates with a correspondingcontinuous window frame latch or catch 1003 formed in one embodiment asa U- or V-shaped groove, located along the front surface when in theclosed position. In one preferred embodiment, the catch 1003 preferablyincludes a gasket or seal 1026 within the groove to improve themechanical seal as well as accommodate variation in the mating orregistration of the upper roof portion 1005 and the catch 1003. Thelower roof portion 1006 consists of only the center portion of the roof.This is similar to a roll bar design of FIG. 8 but having no framebetween left and right side panels. It can be appreciated by thoseskilled in the art that various drive mechanisms may be implemented toassist in the movement from a closed position to an open position. Itemsdesignated as 1010, 1015, 1018, 1020, 1022 and 1025 correspond to thesimilarly labeled designators as 510, 515, 518, 520, 522, and 525,respectively, as shown in FIG. 12.

FIG. 23 shows a flow diagram 1100 illustrating a method of retracting ahard top roof of a vehicle in accordance with this invention. Theunlatch step 1102 includes disconnecting the hook 104 of the upper roofportion 105 from the catch or window frame hole 103. The separation ofthe upper roof portion 105 from the frame hole 103 allows the extensionof the adjustable shaft 112, in step 1104, thereby positioning the upperroof portion 105 further above the lower roof portion 106 to providesufficient space to rotate, becoming more flush therewith. The rotationof upper and lower roof portions step 1106 begins to position the upperroof portion 105 to become flush with the surface of the lower roofportion 106 and leads to the rotate and descending step 1108. In step1108, the lower roof portion 106 begins to become progressively moreflush with respect to the surface of the upper storage lid 120 about thefixed fulcrum 228 at the upper hinge 118 and both upper roof portion 105and lower roof portion 106. As the lower roof portion 106 continues torotate, both upper storage lid 120 and lower storage lid 122 begin todescend downward into the storage space below the upper storage lid 120and lower storage lid 122. In full extension step 1110, the adjustableshaft 112 is fully extended to allow increased separation of the upperroof portion 105 and the lower roof portion 106 at the pivot point 111.The purpose of the full extension is to allow the upper roof portion 105and lower roof portion 106 to fold as flush with respect to one anotheras is possible for compact storage when the system reaches the openposition. At the point the upper roof portion 105 and lower roof portion106 become flush with the upper storage lid 120, step 1112 provides theretraction of the adjustable shaft 112 in a direction toward the frontof the vehicle 102 until both the upper storage lid 120 and the lowerstorage lid 122 become fully descended downward toward the storage spaceof the vehicle 102. A latching or locking mechanism is incorporated tohold the portions in place while stored. Upon completion of the finalstep (1112), the side view of the open position of the roof retractingsystem 100 preserves the side profile of the vehicle 102 such that therear storage area appears similarly to that viewed in the closedposition.

It is to be understood that even though numerous characteristics andadvantages of various embodiments of the present invention have been setforth in the foregoing description, together with details of thestructure and function of various embodiments of the invention, thisdisclosure is illustrative only, and changes may be made in detail,especially in matters of structure and arrangement of parts within theprinciples of the present invention to the full extent indicated by thebroad general meaning of the terms in which the appended claims areexpressed. For example, the particular components such as drive motorsand drive mechanisms may vary by manufacturer, having differing designtolerances, mounting requirements and packaging. The spring 790 may beof a different size or orientation, the spring 790 may be used to assista drive motor or even eliminated altogether, if manual or motor controlis preferred. Additionally, the common components such as fasteners andsprings may have a wide range of operating range and tolerances whichwill affect the results in varying degrees. The particular componentsmay be selected depending on the particular application for the roofsystem while maintaining substantially the same functionality withoutdeparting from the scope and spirit of the present invention. Forexample, it can be appreciated by those familiar with the art, thatmotors 125, 250, 551, 553, 650, and 675 are not required but instead maybe substituted with hydraulic systems or moved by manual operation. Inaddition, although the preferred embodiment described herein is directedto a retracting roof for a vehicle resembling an automobile, it will beappreciated by those skilled in the art that the teachings of thepresent invention can be applied to other systems, like commercial,agricultural or utility vehicles without departing from the scope andspirit of the present invention.

1. A roof retracting apparatus for a vehicle, the roof retractingapparatus comprising: a rigid roof portion residing above a vehicle bodyin a closed position proximate a rearward storage space; and a lidresiding above the storage space, adjacent to the roof portion and beingconfigured to descend into the storage space as the roof portion movesto an open position above the lid while substantially preserving avehicle side profile and permitting storage space access.
 2. The roofretracting apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a reversible drivemechanism connected to the lid and to the roof portion and beingconfigured to apply force for repositioning the roof portion between theclosed and open positions.
 3. The roof retracting apparatus of claim 2wherein the drive mechanism comprises a threaded rod drive.
 4. The roofretracting apparatus of claim 2 wherein the drive mechanism comprises apiston.
 5. The roof retracting apparatus of claim 4 further comprising afirst cog extending below and secured to the piston to direct travel ofthe piston along a track.
 6. The roof retracting apparatus of claim 5wherein the drive mechanism further comprises a second cog operativelycoupled to the first cog and being configured to travel synchronouslytherewith.
 7. The roof retracting apparatus of claim 5 furthercomprising a drive motor operatively secured to the first cog andconfigured and arranged to supply force sufficient to move the pistonalong the track.
 8. The roof retracting apparatus of claim 7 furthercomprising a guide mechanism aligned with the motor to guide themovement of the drive mechanism, the guide mechanism comprising a sleeveattached to the drive motor and a guide rod operatively secured to thevehicle.
 9. The roof retracting apparatus of claim 1 wherein the roofportion further comprises: an upper portion operatively secured to thevehicle body; a lower portion extending from the upper portion towardthe lid; and a drive motor residing between the upper and lowerportions, the drive motor being configured to apply force for directingthe position of the upper and lower portions.
 10. The roof retractingapparatus of claim 9 wherein the upper roof portion further comprises ashaft extending along the surface adjacent to the lower portion, theshaft further comprising a tension spring wherein the tension spring isoperatively configured to provide tension for reducing the load on thedrive motor during retraction.
 11. The roof retracting apparatus ofclaim 9 further comprising a reversible drive mechanism connected to thelid and to the roof portion and being configured to apply force forrepositioning the roof portion between the closed and open positions.12. The retracting roof apparatus of claim 11 wherein the drivemechanism is located adjacent to the lower roof portion.
 13. Theretracting roof apparatus of claim 9 further comprising: a trackoperatively secured to the vehicle body; a cog configured and arrangedto travel within the track; a drive mechanism comprising a pistonextending from the cog toward the upper roof portion; and a shaftoperatively coupled between the piston and the upper roof portion, theshaft being configured to apply force for repositioning the roof portionbetween the closed and open positions.
 14. The retracting roof apparatusof claim 9 further comprising a threaded rod drive connected to the lidand to the upper roof portion and a motor operatively coupled to thethreaded rod drive, the motor being configured to apply force forrepositioning the roof portion between the closed and open positions.15. The retracting roof apparatus of claim 1 wherein the upper roofportion further comprises: an upper portion operatively secured to thevehicle body; a lower portion extending from the upper portion to thestorage lid; and a spring residing between the upper and lower portions,the spring being configured to apply force for directing the position ofthe upper and lower portions.
 16. A method of retracting a rigid roof ofa vehicle from a closed position to an open position for externalstorage over a storage space while preserving vehicle side profile andpermitting storage space access, utilizing a roof portion having anupper and lower portion residing above the vehicle, a lid beingoperatively coupled to the lower roof portion and a drive mechanismconnected to the lid and to the upper roof portion, the drive mechanismbeing configured to apply force sufficient for repositioning the upperand lower roof portions, the method of retracting comprising the stepsof: extending the drive mechanism to elevate the upper roof portionabove the lower roof portion; rotating the lower roof portion toward thelid about a fulcrum between the lower roof portion and the lid pivotingthe upper and lower roof portions about a pivot point between the upperand lower roof portions by applied force; and recessing the lid whileretracting.
 17. The method of retracting of claim 16 wherein thepivoting step utilizes a spring to assist movement of the upper andlower roof portions.
 18. The method of retracting of claim 17 whereinthe pivoting step further utilizes a drive motor to assist movement ofthe upper and lower roof portions.
 19. The method of retracting of claim16 wherein the rotating step utilizes a drive motor to apply force forrotating the upper and lower roof portions.
 20. The method of retractingof claim 16 further comprising a step of folding the upper roof portionflush with the lower roof portion.
 21. The method of retracting of claim18 further comprising a step of moving the upper and lower roof portionswith the drive mechanism from a rearward position to a forward positionfor preserving vehicle side profile.
 22. The roof retracting apparatusof claim 1, wherein the roof portion comprises: an upper portionoperatively secured to the vehicle body, the upper portion having afront portion and having a hook extending along substantially an entirelength of the front portion; and a lower portion extending from theupper portion to the storage lid, wherein the vehicle body comprises awindow portion that defines a groove that is arranged to engage thehook.
 23. The roof retracting apparatus of claim 22, wherein the windowportion comprises a gasket located proximate the groove and arranged toform a watertight seal when the groove engages the hook.